Extra Large Beginning Wakeboard

[SkiTower]

I'm planning to get a wakeboard this year so I can demonstrate the finer points to the kids . I'm 6'5" 290 lbs (and out of shape), so I've been told I need a 146. I'm not going to be doing much more than riding and don't want to spend a lot. Two questions for those of you in the know: is there much difference between a 143 and 146? and any boards/brands I need to stay away from? Like I said, not looking for anything top of the line, just want to avoid a piece of junk. Also, any boots/bindings to avoid? (Size 13)

Heading to Overton's this week to see if they have any deals.

Merry Christmas!

[highrock]

Liquid Force may still be making an Omega that was like a 146 in its biggest size. That is their value board and you can pick up a board and bindings for about $300 (MSRP).

Other then that I would stay with the biggest you can find. I have been riding 142's-144's for about 3 years at 6' 2" 220 LBS.

My brother is currrently riding a Liquid Force Witness 144 he is 6' 3" and about 260.

The bigger board will just make it easier on you riding, and if you do want to do some jumps it will provide a solid base under you and a more forgiving landing with surface area.

I would try to find something that is from 2009 or 2010 and get a discount. Any of the big brands will be a solid board, bindings can be a different story, but I have found Slingshot and Liquid Force to be the best for me as far as holding up from riding.

Hope that helps!

[AirTool]

I'm planning to get a wakeboard .... (and out of shape)

Join the club.

Santa pointed me to a Hyperlite State 145 at Sun and Ski discounted HUGE. They were out at my store but had one shipped from another store to the North Pole and then delivered to me this morning.

You should check with them in person if possible because they have to scroll through the stores. I could get you the sku if you want/need it. If there are none near you, maybe I can have my guy look it up and give you the store number and they could box/ship. I think I paid 229 minus another 10% but would have to look. It came with the x-large bindings.

The State series is pretty good and it has separate toe-side channeling/curve to help you toe side. Go to the hyperlite site or you tube and you can see some videos IIRC.

PS - I cant stand Overton's and beginning to cant stand their Gander Mountain stores.

[SkiTower]

I hit overton's because the store is local.

Just looked up Sun & Ski and the closest store in outside of Charlotte (Concord Mills). Funny thing is I'm about to make a day trip to Charlotte. Sad thing is I doubt they're open.

[bkhallpass]

At you size, you want surface area. Board should be as long and as wide as you can get it.

There are lots of old boards out there that are long, but they were not very wide. These won't suit you well.

The State is a fairly wide board. There are others out there as well. I know Ronix makes a 146.

I would get on google shopping and start doing a search brand name 145, brand name 146 and see what comes
up least expensive.

BKH

[NautiqueJeff]

If you get over to Overton's, try to find Nicole Steele. She is White Lake's team rider, she works at Overton's, and she knows what's up. She's been out on my boat a couple of times and she really knows her stuff.

[AirTool]

I hit overton's because the store is local.

Just looked up Sun & Ski and the closest store in outside of Charlotte (Concord Mills). Funny thing is I'm about to make a day trip to Charlotte. Sad thing is I doubt they're open.

S&S is right near our house and one of the leads there loves me and my kids. He goes out of his way for me. Let me know if you need help.

Also, measure your foot and I'll tell you where your toes would land in these XL bindings.

[SkiTower]

Foot Size: 11.5" x 4.5"

Does Nicole work in Raleigh or Greenville? (I'm heading to Raleigh)

I started getting a feel about surface area vs. length after seeing a pretty narrow one last year. Definitely want surface area. The ONLY jump I ever tried was >15 years ago and the front edge grabbed on "landing" which resulted in the worst face plant of my life.

As for the weather cooperating:

[SkiTower]

Bought a 2010 Liquid Force Trip 146 today at overton's for $219 (regular $299). Boot size is 12-15, so my 13's should be fine.

Now to get rid of the snow!